Cape Lights came out on top in an exciting finish to the headliner at Turffontein on Saturday, recording a career best of 99. It was touch and go as Robbie Sage’s filly edged out another longshot, Key Element (also a career top of 98) and 2nd favorite, Celtic Rumors (s/s 97) in the 1400m Pinnacle Stakes.
Cape Lights, by Ideal World, was winning the fourth start of her life. Robbie Sage is a low- key conditioner these days who seldom turns out more than 130 odd runners per year on the Highveld. Nevertheless, he remains an excellent trainer who sustains a fine strike rate by placing fit horses in the right races. Over the last three seasons these are his win and place strike rates to runners – 12%/47%; 15%/49%; 12%/46% – rock solid stats.
Dean Kannemeyer is a high- profile trainer with operations in the Cape and KZN and a bigger string than Sage’s, though he too prides himself on keeping up winning and place percentages. He experienced a frustrating dip in those metrics last year, but normal service has resumed this term.
He stepped out The Real Prince at Scottsville on Sunday – just a third career start for the handsome, Gimmethegreenlight ex Real Princess gelding. The dam, who won the SA Fillies Sprint at this track is an awesome producer – Gimme a Prince (G1 Golden Horse victor with a peak speed fig of 113 +) and Gimmie’s Countess (close recently in the G1 Allan Robertson) are The Real Prince’s notable siblings.
“He is a lovely horse to take back for the Spring Summer Season in Cape Town.” said Kannemeyer in the post- race interview. That smart speed score, achieved without being unduly extended, backs up the trainer’s positive view.